Event Overview
The Cook Out Southern 500 will roar to life on September 6 at Darlington Raceway in South Carolina, marking the opening battle of the ten‑race Chase that determines the season champion.
After qualifying was called off, Tyler Reddick secured the pole position, with Daniel Suarez sharing the front row alongside him, setting the stage for a competitive start to the playoff opener.
The 367‑lap, 501.3‑mile event is divided into three stages — 115 laps, another 115 laps, and a final 137‑lap stretch — offering strategic variety as drivers battle for stage points and overall victory.
Broadcast and Coverage
Coverage will be carried by USA Network on television, while MRN radio, SiriusXM and an HBO Max in‑car camera feed provide additional audio and visual options for fans.
Among the 36 competitors are entries from powerhouse organizations such as 23XI Racing, Joe Gibbs Racing, Team Penske and Hendrick Motorsports, and the No. 45 23XI Racing Toyota, driven by a previous Darlington winner, adds a narrative of past success to the weekend.
With the Chase just beginning, the race offers an early litmus test for contenders like Chase Elliott, Kyle Larson and Denny Hamlin, who will be looking to build momentum for the upcoming playoff rounds.